Effective Studies
Description
Advanced Sierra Chart footprint analysis tools designed for professional traders and institutional order flow analysis. The Effective Studies suite provides comprehensive real-time detection of market microstructure patterns including:
- Point of Control Analysis - Identify significant volume concentration zones and POC waves
- Value Area Dynamics - Track untested value areas, gaps, and engulfing patterns
- Order Flow Exhaustion - Detect buyer/seller exhaustion at key price levels
- Volume Imbalances - Spot sustained, stacked, and sequential volume imbalances
- Delta Analysis - Monitor cumulative delta patterns, divergences, and breakouts
- Market Structure - Recognize momentum shifts, absorption, and institutional activity
These studies integrate seamlessly with Sierra Chart’s Volume at Price data to provide actionable insights for scalping, day trading, and swing trading across all markets.

Product Studies
Effective Main Study
The comprehensive footprint analysis tool featuring 25+ subgraphs for POC analysis, exhaustion detection, volume patterns, and market structure identification. Includes momentum analysis, prominent POC tracking, and value area dynamics.
Volume Imbalance Study
Specialized study for detecting volume imbalances, sustained imbalances, stacked patterns, and sequential order flow. Essential for identifying institutional ladder orders and supply/demand zones.
Calculated Values Study
Delta-focused analysis tool providing market weakness detection, extreme delta thresholds, divergence patterns, and delta transition analysis. Perfect for understanding order flow strength and directional bias.
News Study
Economic news events study displaying upcoming high-impact releases directly on your chart. Track Low, Medium, and High severity events across multiple currencies with configurable time windows. Essential for backtesting accuracy and avoiding volatile news periods.
Purchase and Cost
Pricing: $20 USD per month via PayPal subscription Free Trial: 1 month full-featured trial included Payment: Monthly billing via secure PayPal Cancellation: Cancel anytime with immediate effect
What’s Included:
- All three study modules (Main, Volume Imbalance, Calculated Values)
- Real-time pattern detection and alerts
- Customizable thresholds and display options
- Regular updates and new pattern additions
- Email support and setup assistance
Setup and Installation
Step 1: Subscribe
Get monthly access to Effective Studies with your Sierra Chart username.
Subscribe: Start your subscription with your Sierra Chart username
Find your Sierra Chart account name at: https://www.sierrachart.com/UserControlPanel.php#AccountDetails
Step 2: Download and Install
- Download: effectiveStudies_64.dll v8.0.0
- Install: Follow Sierra Chart’s Advanced Custom Study installation guide
- Restart: Restart Sierra Chart to load the new studies
Step 3: Configuration
Each study requires specific setup:
- Main Study: Configure Numbers Bar Calculated Values study dependency
- Volume Imbalance: Set up Volume At Price Threshold Alert V2 studies (bid/ask)
- Calculated Values: Link to required delta calculation studies
- Sample Chartbooks: For quick setup try one of these:
Troubleshooting
Common installation issues are documented in Sierra Chart’s troubleshooting guide.
Key Features
Real-Time Pattern Detection
- 25+ Visual Subgraphs across three specialized studies
- Configurable Thresholds for all pattern recognition
- Multi-Timeframe Support for various chart types and instruments
- Performance Optimized for high-frequency data processing
Professional Trading Tools
- Institutional Order Flow - Identify large participant activity
- Support/Resistance Levels - Automated key level identification
- Trend Analysis - Momentum and exhaustion pattern recognition
- Risk Management - Early reversal and continuation signals
Market Coverage
- Futures - ES, NQ, YM, RTY, GC, CL, 6E, 6B, 6J, and all major contracts
- Forex - EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, and currency pairs
- Stocks - Individual equities with sufficient volume
- Crypto - Bitcoin, Ethereum (where Sierra Chart supported)
Support and Resources
Getting Help
- Email Support: tim@theaceofcharts.com for setup assistance
- Documentation: Comprehensive feature guides available for each study
System Requirements
- Sierra Chart: Version 2400+ recommended
- Service Package: Package 5 (Base Sierra Chart with Advanced Features - $36/month) or Package 11 (Integrated Sierra Chart with Advanced Features - $46/month) required for Numbers Bars
- Data Feed: Real-time tick data required for optimal performance
- Hardware: Minimum 8GB RAM, multi-core processor recommended
- Operating System: Windows 7/10/11 (64-bit)
Note: The Numbers Bar Calculated Values study is essential for the Effective Studies to function properly. This study is only available in Sierra Chart’s advanced features packages (Package 5 or higher).